If you are learning German or planning to visit a German-speaking country, it’s essential to know how to express time in German. In this guide, we’ll focus on the phrase “half past one” and explore formal and informal ways to say it in German. We’ll also provide some tips, examples, and regional variations. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When speaking in more formal contexts, such as in business or official settings, the following phrases are commonly used to express “half past one” in German:
1. “Es ist halb zwei.” (Literally: “It is half two.”)
Although the literal translation might seem a little strange, this is the preferred formal way to say “half past one” in German. Keep in mind that in German, hours are rounded up in increments of five after the half-hour mark. Therefore, 1:30 is considered closer to 2:00 than 1:00, hence the phrase “half two.”
Let’s look at a few examples to help you understand the usage better:
“Wann findet die Sitzung statt?”
“Die Sitzung findet um halb zwei statt.”“When is the meeting?”
“The meeting is at half past one.”
Informal Expressions
In more informal settings or when talking to friends and family, Germans often use colloquial expressions to indicate “half past one.” Here are some popular ways to express this informally:
- “Halb zwei” – This expression is the same as the formal one, but without the “es ist” (it is) part. Germans are known for omitting subject pronouns when they can be clearly understood from the context.
- “Halb zwei Uhr” – This is another informal variation where the word “Uhr” (hour) is added after “halb zwei” to emphasize the time.
Let’s see these informal expressions in action:
“Bis wie spät bleibt das Geschäft heute geöffnet?”
“Das Geschäft bleibt heute bis halb zwei offen.”“Until what time is the store open today?”
“The store is open until half past one today.”
Additional Tips and Variations
Here are some additional tips and variations to enhance your understanding of expressing time in German:
1. Regional Variations
While “halb zwei” is a common way to express “half past one” across Germany, some regional variations exist. For example, in southern Germany and Austria, you might hear “halb zwei” being referred to as “halb zwei Uhr” or “halb drei,” which simplifies it as “half three” instead of “half two.”
2. Alternative Phrases
In addition to “halb zwei,” you may encounter the phrase “dreißig Minuten nach eins” or “30 Minuten nach eins” (30 minutes past one) in more formal contexts. However, note that “halb zwei” is by far the most common and widely understood way of expressing “half past one” in German.
3. Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to improve your ability to express time in German is through practice. Take advantage of opportunities to speak with native German speakers, practice with language partners, or engage in conversation groups. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in using these expressions accurately and naturally.
4. Related Vocabulary
To expand your time-related vocabulary in German, here are some useful words and phrases:
- “eins” – one
- “halb” – half
- “zwei” – two
- “Uhr” – hour
- “dreißig” – thirty
By familiarizing yourself with these words, you’ll have a solid foundation for discussing time in German conversations.
In conclusion, expressing “half past one” in German has both formal and informal variations. While “Es ist halb zwei” is the formal way, “halb zwei” and “halb zwei Uhr” are commonly used in informal contexts. Regional variations and alternative phrases exist, but “halb zwei” remains the most widely understood expression. Remember to practice regularly and expand your time-related vocabulary to become even more proficient in discussing time in German.
